Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazine - Ritz Family Publishing, Inc.

Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy MagazineThe vital resource of the Ag Industry Montana • winter/spring edition 2003-20045L Red Angus • Annual Production SaleSteffes CorporationOverhead Drive Through Bins“Walk A Mile In My Boots”Ranchers And Wildlife Workers Swap JobsPotatoes!History of, Calendar of Events and More...Western Farm, Ranch & Dairy Magazinea division of Ritz Family Publishing, Inc.714 N. Main Street, Meridian, ID 83642(208) 955-0124 • Toll Free:1(800) 330-3482E-mail: info@ritzfamilypublishing.comWebsite: www.ritzfamilypublishing.com

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4 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comcontentsWestern Farm, Ranch & Dairy MagazineCONTENTSMontana • winter/spring edition 2003-2004Spokane Ag Expo January, 13, 14, 15 ….…….....…....……….. Page 5Potato History………………………………………………….…... Page 6PAGE 26PAGE 7PAGE 17On The CoverPhoto courtesy of Michael andKathleen Gear of Red CanyonRanch, Thermopolis, Wyoming.For more, see page 7.Red Canyon Ranch – Dedicated To Raising Glorious Bison … Page 7Upcoming Calendar Of Potato Events ………..……..........….... Page 8Chinese Beetles May Help With Saltcedar Problem …..….….. Page 9Predators Kill Most Elk Calves In Park ...……………….....…… Page 10Farm Pond Care In Simple Terms .....…………………….……. Page 10Ranchers And Wildlife Workers Swap Jobs .……………...…… Page 11Western Energy Company…………………………………..…… Page 12Internet Cattle Marketing--The Time Is Now…………............... Page 12Clean & Green Corp.--Presenting The Miniature Hay Baler … Page 13Nick’s Custom Boots—Now That’s Value! ………………......… Page 14Food In The Mail—Is It Safe? ………………………………...…..Page 16ABARE: GM Would Boost World Economy ……………….…… Page 16Steffes Corporation …….......................................................… Page 18Attach A High Power 100% Duty Welder To Your Engine! ….... Page 19DeRuwe Farms—Buy Alfalfa Seed Direct ……....…………...... Page 20Veterinary Insurance Incentive ………...………….......….…….. Page 21Beartooth Ranch To Donate Heifer To Angus Foundation ........ Page 22Merrick’s—Manufacturing Animal Dairy Feed Products …...…. Page 23Iron Mountain Bison Ranch ......................................................... Page 24Bale Buddy Mfg. – Big Bale Flaker TM To Meet Your Needs ... Page 25North American Clun Forest Association ………………….…… Page 26Manage Farm Stress To Stay Safe ………...…………….…….. Page 27Pfendler Post & Pole, Inc. ……………………………………..… Page 28Sandhill Equipment, Inc.-Try Us Before You Buy …………..…. Page 29Medi-Dart –Lower Stress And Increase Gains ……………...… Page 29Marketplace ………….....………………………………………… Page 305L Red Angus-Annual Production Sale March 9, 2004 …….… Page 31

Wester 5“Think Big!”Spokane Ag Expo January 13, 14 & 15This year’s Spokane Ag Expo and Pacific Northwest FarmForum are BIGGER and better than ever! January 13, 14and 15, in Spokane, Wash., over 8,000 farmers and ranchersare expected to attend this three-day event. Highlights of the 2004Expo include:The Inland Northwest’s Largest Farm Equipment Show - Over 250exhibitors fill the Veteran’s Memorial Arena, Ag Trade and ConventionCenters in beautiful downtown Spokane.50th Annual Pacific Northwest Farm Forum - The 2004 show is the50th Golden Anniversary for the Pacific Northwest Farm Forum,which produces all the seminars and main speaker events at AgExpo. Celebration plans are in the works for the golden anniversary!Over 80 Pacific Northwest Farm Forum Seminars – Including seminarson marketing, crop production, transition planning, and farmmanagement. Pesticide re-certification credits can be earned atselected seminars. This is the region’s most comprehensive workshopforum.Health, Safety and Security Section – Spokane Ag Expo is devotingan entire section to farm health, safety and security. For thepast several years, the show has featured a variety of farm safetyprograms but the 2004 show will devote a full section pertainingto health, safety and security. Located at the east end of the SpokaneAg Trade Center, it will feature a wide variety of farm familyhealth-related exhibits that will have value to virtually everyonewho comes to the show.Ag Technology Showcase by SIRTI – Featuring the latest in cuttingedge technologies, 5:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel ballroom.The intention of SIRTI (Spokane Intercollegiate Research & TechnologyInstitute) is to provide a good overview of paradigm-changingresearch in the Inland Northwest. On a quarterly basis SIRTIpresents these breakthrough technologies to the public.Bioenergy Pavilion - Ag Expo for 2004 includes the “BioenergyPavilion at Ag Expo”. Bioenergy is renewable energy producedfrom organic material. Organic matter is either used directly as afuel or processed into liquids and gases. An area within the AgExpo show will be dedicated for agencies, associations, and privateentities to present information to show attendees. The goal is toprovide the latest information to attendees. Areas covered includebiodiesel, dedicated crops, anaerobic digestion, ethanol, co-generation,and gasification. Other renewable energy topics include solar,fuel cells, geothermal, water, and wind.Idaho Gem, U of I’s Cloned Mule – Tuesday Only - The first clonedequine was born on May 5, 2003 at the University of Idaho. Themule, which is named Idaho Gem, will appear at Ag Expo on Tuesday,January 13. A team from University of Idaho and Utah StateUniversity produced three mule clones that were born in 2003. Dr.Dirk Vanderwall, a member of the research team, will also make aseminar presentation in the Les Schwab room on Tuesday.Beef Cattle Demonstrations & Seminars – Back by popular demand,the Expo features live beef cattle equipment demonstrationsand numerous seminars. Demonstrations of livestock equipment– Continued On Page 21

6 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comHistory of the PotatoThe potato crop belongs to a number of American cropslike maize and bean that have been introduced to Europeand other continents in the last 5 centuries.There are more than 160 wild potato species, and most of themcontain high levels of alkaloids. The first edible potatoes areconsidered to have been cultivated 4000 years ago in Peru. TheSouth American Indians were in fact able to select alkaloidfreepotato varieties, the results of which is still seen today.The first cultivated potato species were diploid (some of themare still cultivated in South America). The development of themodern varieties was related to the spontaneous occurrence oftetraploid species that were superior in yield. Almost all currentvarieties are autotetraploid.The introduction of potatoes to Europe happened at two independentinstances: around 1570 in Spain, and around 1590in England. However, the large-scale cultivation of the cropbegan only in the beginning of the 19th century. Initially, thecrop was used as a medicinal plant and grown by pharmacists,in Spain in particular. It was later introduced to otherparts of Europe by merchants and kings, who encouraged thecultivation of this efficient plant to increase local agriculturalproduction. The successful introduction of this new crop didnot only require changes in the dietary habits of the people,but also a biological adaptation of the crop to a new climate.In fact, the potato plant being originally adapted to short dayconditions of the tropical highlands, it would yield very littleunder the longsummer daysin Europe.Breeding overmore than150 years ledto plants toleratinglongday conditions.Themodern breeding of potatoes began approximately in 1780,where crossings were performed between local varieties. Atthe beginning of the 19th century, the introduction of new potatogermplasm, especially from Chile, contributed highly tothe breeding of modern varieties. Towards the end of the lastcentury, there was already a large array of breeding varietiesavailable to the breeders. However, because of the need fornew resistance genes against pests and diseases, the 20th centurybrought about the use of a large population of wild- andcultivated potato species from South America for backcrossingsinto European varieties. The potatoes of today in Europeare largely the result of the intensive breeding programs of the19th century, but have benefitted greatly from the improvementsin breeding techniques of the 20th century to improvetraits like disease resistance, tolerance to environmental factors,etc.“To Harvest The Best, Plant The Best!”FEATURES.CAPACITY.EXPERIENCE.Burbank • Norkotah • AlturasCall Us Today For More Information.DROGE FARMSManhattan, MontanaGlenn: 7590 Stagecoach Tr. • (406) 282-7588Vernon: 7525 Stagecoach Tr. • (406) 282-7586WHEN YOU THINK HAY GRINDERS, THINK MIGHTY GIANTCALL OR WRITE FOR MORE INFORMATIONJONES MANUFACTURING COMPANY1486 12TH ROAD • PO BOX 38BEEMER, NEBRASKA 68716-0038PHONE (402) 528-3861 • FAX (402) 528-3239WWW.MIGHTYGIANT.COM

Weste 7From Cowboy To Buffalero • Wyoming Ranchers Compare Buffalo And BeefBy: W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O’Neal GearAs we look out our window at the buffalo serenelygrazing on native pasture, we often think about howwe got here. We both come from ranching families.For over three hundred years, and across most of the continent,our ancestors raised cattle and alfalfa. So why did we decideto switch from beef to buffalo? The simple answer is that beinga buffalero pays better than being a cowboy.But before you decide to jump in with both feet, let us tell youbuffalo are not for everyone. The first thing we learned was thatthe more you know about cattle, the greater your disadvantagewhen you first face buffalo. Bison and cattle require vastly differenthandling skills. You can gather a herd of cattle in the morningand cowboy them through the chute that afternoon. Bison requireadvance planning, enticement, and trapping. The faster you workthem, the wilder they become, the scarier the wrecks they’ll have.Successful buffaleros work slowly and quietly.Bison require a larger initial capital investment but you willmake it up on lower labor and veterinary costs. You will have toupgrade equipment—and oversized cattle systems aren’t alwaysthe way to go. Talk to longtime buffalo producers before youcut the check. A Berlinic or Hard Rock bison system can savelots of time, tears, frustration, and anguish.A whole mythology exists about bison and fences. The factis you can hold bison with an ordinary three wire fence if theyare acclimated to home, have food, water, mineral and friendscloseby; but people who transplant ten-year-old buffalo into anunfamiliar pasture are headed for disaster. How would you feelif someone dropped you in downtown Philadelphia? You’d headout at a high run, too, wouldn’t you? Introduced animals have tobe kept corralled until they are accustomed to their new home.Another myth is that buffalo are mean. Granted, any animal candevelop a cussed streak, but under normal conditions a buffaloisn’t going to hunt you down, stomp, and gore you just for thefun of it. People usually get hurt when buffalo feel threatenedor have panicked in containment.And the vet bills? Bison are an amazingly healthy animal. Nativeto North America they have a built-in immunity to most things butare vulnerable to the diseases and parasites introduced over thepast five hundred years. We tag and 8-way calves at six weeks,OCV the heifer calves at six months, and Ivomec the whole herdonce a year. We don’t castrate, brand, use growth hormones, orfeed antibiotics. Bison don’t take well to AI so you can scratchthat from the “to do” list. In ten years of operation, we have pulledone calf. It’s fun to go to the feedstore, sip coffee, and complain,“It’s calving season! I don’t have anything to do!”Cattle are easier to handle, more forgiving, take minimal equipment,and can be sold at the local sale barn. Bison take less labor,more initial capital, and are better adapted to our grasses andweather. Bison meat is also worth about three times as much asbeef—but you have to do the sales and marketing.Honestly, neither animal is inherently “better.” Bison made sensefor our operation because we have native pasture and through hardwork have developed a high-demand meat market. But be youcowboy or buffalero, the market for lower cholesterol, reduced fat,hormone-free meat is going to continue to grow. For those willingto embrace that market, bison can be a profitable alternative.RED CANYON RANCHDedicated to Raising Absolutely Glorious BisonForty percent of the Red Canyon Ranch bison herd consists of trophy winning animals from the Gold Trophy Show and Sale,the Black Hills Buffalo Classic and the Canadian national bison show in Regina. Our animals include Raven, the 1999 Canadiannational Grand Champion, and Bailey, the famous Gold trophy daughter of Reserve Grand Champion, Dakota Bill. In addition,we have Bailey’s award winning sisters, Godiva and Serendipity, the only Dakota Bill daughters outside of the Rock Creek ranchherd, and several more award winners from Trails End River Ranch. At Red Canyon Ranch, we are investing in the future of thebison industry. We will continue to purchase champion animals and strive to produce absolutely glorious bison.Michael and Kathleen Gear • Red Canyon Ranch • Box 1329 • Thermopolis, Wyoming 82443 • (307)864-5212

8 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comcalendar of eventsUpcoming Calendar of Potato EventsJan. 6-10, 2004National Potato Council Annual Meeting, Moon Palace Resort, Cancun, Mexico.Contact John Keeling at 202-682-9456 or johnkeeling52@aol.com or visitwww.npc-spud.comJan. 11-13, 2004Potato Marketing Association of North America Winter Meeting, Gran Melia Beach & Spa Resort, Cancun, Mexico.Hosted by Potatoes New Brunswick. Contact: Kyla at 506-276-1820.Jan. 21-22, 2004The 36th Annual Idaho State University Potato Conference, Student Union Building, Pocatello, ID. Contact JimHughes at 208-529-8376 or jhughes@uidaho.edu or visit extension.ag.uidaho.edu/district4/potato.html.Jan. 21-22, 2004Eastern Idaho Ag Expo, Holt Arena, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. Contact David Beale at 800-635-2274.Jan. 29-30, 200437th Annual Oregon Potato Conference, Gleneden Beach, OR., Willamette Valley Potato Growers Association.Contact Oregon Potato Commission at 503-731-3300.Feb 3-5, 2004Washington State Potato Conference and Trade Show, Big Bend Community College and the Grant CountyFairgrounds. Phone: 509-765-8845.Feb. 4-5, 2004Potato Conference & Trade Show, 2004Knights of Columbus Hall, Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. Contact: Kyla Stewart at 506-276-1820 orFax: 506-276-1828. E-mail: ctpotato@potatoesnb.com.Feb. 9-12, 2004International Root & Tuber Symposium, International Society for Horticultural Science, New Zealand. For moreinformation, contact Dr. Mike Nichols at m.nichols@massey.ac.nz.U.S. CustomHarvesters Inc.To All U.S. Agricultural Producers:Be it Resolved - March 8, 2003United States Custom Harvesters, Inc. supports the mandated use of grain-based fuels,principally Ethanol and BioDiesel, in the United States. This use of ethanol and BioDieselis to be a supplement to fossil fuels thereby contributing to the wealth, safety and securityof the United States of America while assisting the farmers and providers of these renewableresources produced in our Homeland.Respectfully and Unanimously,United States Custom Harvesters Inc. MembershipHIRE AMERICAN HARVESTERSWanted - Grain, Forage & Cotton HarvestingCrews Available Anywhere - USAFor List of Available US Crews Please Contact:U.S. Custom Harvesters, Inc.(620) 664-6297E-mail: office@uschi.com • www.uschi.comWe Support U.S. AgriculturePlease Support Us!

West 9CHINESE BEETLES MAY HELP WITH SALTCEDAR PROBLEMThousands of plant-eating Chinesebeetles may be unleashed in Montana,Wyoming and other westernstates next year to battle saltcedar, a waterthirsty invasive shrub that clings to riverbanksand crowds out native species. Theidea is still in the early stages, but if all goesas planned, some of the first releases couldbegin next spring, according to Bob Richard,regional program director for USDA’sAnimal and Plant Health Inspection Service(APHIS), Fort Collins, CO.The beetles, which feed exclusively onsaltcedar, certainly won’t wipe out thepervasive shrub, but will give farmers,ranchers, and others fighting the weed, anotherweapon in their arsenal. “It shouldn’tbe viewed as a silver bullet,” Richard said.“It’s a control, not eradication.”Saltcedar, also known as tamarisk, wasintroduced to the Western United Statesin the 1800’s as an ornamental shrub. Anative of Africa and Asia, the plant nowgrows widely in the West, especially alongwaterways and bottomlands. With itslong, deep roots, the shrub taps into watersystems beneath the surface and sucks upas much eater and perhaps more than anyother weed in the West.Richard said there are some indicationssaltcedar has even dried out small streamsand ponds. The plant also stubbornly takesover the habitat of native species, includingwillows and cottonwoods.The “bio-control” proposal to release thebeetles is the latest effort in a long fight toeliminate, or at least manage, the proliferationof saltcedar. “People have chopped it,cut it, used herbicides and different kindsof things,” Richard said. “The only newkid on the block, in terms of control isbiological control.”Hope now rests on a bug from China,about the size of a pencil eraser, calledDiorhabda elongata or the saltcedar leafbeetle. This insect only eats saltcedar andover the course of a few years can successfullywipe out sections of the shrub.APHIS is now looking into importingthousands more of the beetles to work onother saltcedar infestations across the West.Under the current proposal, APHIS wouldwork with local and state governments totarget key areas for saltcedar control andhelp facilitate a release of beetles.Capable of producing two generationseach year, an introduced population ofsaltcedar beetles can grow rapidly from15 to 30 fold each generation. Richardstates “ so if you have a release of 1,500insects (in one spot), they could be spreadthree to five miles within a few years.”The adults and the young feed only onsaltcedar leaves and damaging the plant’sability to reproduce and stay vigorous. Sothere’s no risk of a beetle explosion. Theresearch shows if there isn’t saltcedar toeat they will die.APHIS is scheduled to conduct an environmentalassessment of the program,take public comments. , and then seek finalapproval sometime next year. Richardsaid limits have already been placed onwhere the beetles can be released, includinglimiting it to areas north of the 38thparallel. South of that line, the Southwestwillow flycatcher, an endangered species,uses saltcedar as habitat, especially sinceits typical nest site in those areas has beentaken over by saltcedar. “Since it hasstarted using (saltcedar) for nesting, wecan’t do anything that impacts the life ofthis bird,” Richard said.If the program is approved, it could paybig dividends in Wyoming, where saltcedarhas made a home in nearly every drainagein the state, according to Roy Reichenbachof the Wyoming Department of Agriculture.A survey of some stock water reservoirs inthe Bighorn Basin showed the presenceof saltcedar at nearly every one where theweed has grown so thick in places livestockand wildlife can’t get to them. “In someareas, it has completely taken out the nativevegetation,” Reichenbach said, “And herbicideapplications for that species are veryexpensive and only a few products work onit. Realistically, to get a good handle on it,bio-controls are needed.”No one should think the Chinese beetleswill rid the West of saltcedar but, whenused in concert with chemicals, manualtreatments, and education, the beetlescould give people the upper hand, Richardand Reichenbach said. “In and of itself,bio-control may not be the answer, butcoupled with these other things we probablyhave a chance.”INDESTRUCTIBLE RUBBER WATER TANKSGiant Rubber Water Tanks specializes inlivestock watering tanks that last a lifetime. 8’- 12’diameter, freeze resistant. Ask about semi-loaddelivery. They can be cut to any height up to 34”and can hold up to 1200 gallons and linkedtogether for more capacity.CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION • BETH REILLY(307) 467-5786Giant Rubber Water Tanks • Box 86 • Alva, Wyoming 82711“Dealer Inquiries Welcome”

10 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comPREDATORS KILL MOST ELK CALVES IN PARKPredators are killing almost twothirdsof the elk calves born in YellowstoneNational Park, preliminaryresults of a study have shown. That isalmost three times the death rate found in asimilar study in the 1980’s before wolveswere reintroduced to the park. But grizzlyand black bears killed almost four times asmany elk calves as wolves did, the studysays. P.J. White, a wildlife biologist forthe National Park Service, cautioned thatthe results are preliminary. The study willlast for three years, and only one season’sworth of data have been gathered. “It’shard to say what the average will be overthree years,” said Glenn Plumb, a parksupervisory biologist.Some hunters, outfitters and politicianshave blamed wolves for declining elknumbers. Park scientists maintain thereare a variety of factors, like drought andother predators, in the 2.2 million-acrepark. “I’m real skeptical about all theirreports,” said Bill Hoppe, a Jardine outfitter.“We’ve had grizzly bears forever, andbad winter, and the elk have always doneOkay.” “ The elk herd began decliningin 1996 after wolves were reintroduced,”Hoppe said, “and it’s gotten smaller eversince.”MALIBU WATER RESOURCES • Farm Pond Care In Simple TermsBy Dr. Mervin BrownPond aeration improves water quality by maintaininggood dissolved oxygen levels in the water especiallywhere oxygen is really needed... at the bottom. Pond andlake bed aeration adds oxygen to all of the water, including thebottom. This is very important because once the lake or pondhas oxygen near the bottom, new insect larvae, snails, and otherfish food can begin to live there.Bottom aeration is simply using an air compressing windmillor an electric aerator to pump through an air line attached to anaeration stone which is then placed on the bottom of the pond.The rising air bubbles from the aeration stone release oxygen inthe water and brings oxygen-poor bottom water to the surfacewhere it is exposed to the atmosphere. Thus, large volumesof water brought to the surface by the rising air bubbles losepoisonous gasses to the atmosphere and pick up more oxygenwhile on the surface. Aeration speeds up the process of oxidizingor burning up the pollution in the water. The result is fresh,sparkling clear, sweet-smelling water which supports abundantfish life, free from excessive algae and weeds.REDUCE ALGAE - Aeration reduces algae growth byremoving its food (nutrients) – Nitrogen, ammonia, and solublephosphates are driven into the surface air and out of the pond.Iron and manganese are oxidized and drop out of solution to thebottom of the pond. Once oxidation of these metals begin, theyPond Aeration Windmills$650Malibu Water Resourceswww.MalibuWater.com1-800-490-9170don’t go back into solution. Aeration increases aerobic bacteriawhich eat the other nutrients on which algae and weeds need togrow. The aerobic bacteria eat these nutrients before the weedsand the algae can... forcing it to starve and die.Aerobic bacteria are the good guys: They breathe oxygen andexhale CO2 like us. They have a TREMENDOUS appetite...eating anything organic... very quickly. The aerobic bacteriabegin to eat the organic sediment at the bottom of the pond... andwill continue to eat it as long as they are given oxygen.Aeration also works for de-icing a winter pond. Moving waterwon’t freeze so there remains a 20’ diameter of ice free waterabove the air stone. The more aeration in the winter, the lessalgae in the summer.For windmills, we recommend a 12 foot tower. Tower legextensions of four foot are available making a 16 foot and 20foot tower if needed.Aeration Stone: We recommend that you put some gravel in thebottom of a five gallon bucket, and place the aeration stone ontop of the gravel. Attach a cord and float securely to the bucketand lower the aeration stone and the bucket into the water. Usethe cord/float for retrieval and repositioning if needed.AERATION in well water storage tanks removes iron,manganese, zinc and other metals through oxidation andprecipitation. Metals are oxidized and drop out of suspensionbecause they become heavier. AERATION removes sulfur andother poisonous gases (methane, ammonia, nitrogen) by phasedistribution. SO2 and other gasses are more soluble in air thanwater so are transferred to the rising air bubbles and then to theatmosphere via a tank vent. AERATION: removes hydrogensulfide and anaerobic bacteria which produces methane.AERATION: leaves all beneficial minerals intact – removesonly metals, phosphates and gasses.For more information, contact Malibu Water Resources,800-490-9170; Fax: 310-457-4298; www.MalibuWater.comRecommended Pond Books:Earth Ponds by Tim Matson: 802-333-9019Ohio Pond Guide: 614-265-6300

West 11Ranchers And WildlifeWorkers Swap JobsThe new “Walk A Mile In My Boots”exchange program between U.S. cattleranchers and U.S. Fish and WildlifeService (FWS) employees hit the groundrunning. Officially launched this pastsummer, exchanges have already takenplace in Idaho, Montana, Texas andWyoming. The National Cattlemen’s(NCBA) and the FWS worked togetherto create the program, providing andunprecedented opportunity for cattleranchers and FWS employees to learnabout each other’s lifestyles.“All of the recent exchanges have beensuch rewarding experiences for everyone,”says Stephanie Tinsley, NCBA associatedirector of environmental issues.“We really have received great feedbackfrom both FWS participants and ranchers.Many of our members have long beenconcerned their local FWS officials donot understand the priorities and challengesof cattle producers, and this surechanges that.”Future plans for exchange programscontinue to fill the books. For moreinformation, visit http://walkamile.fws.gov/ or call 202-347-0228.Montana ranchers Bob and Kathy Leehosted Dan Brewer, a fisheries biologistfrom the Helena Ecological ServicesField Office for three hard-working daysat their Robert E. Lee Ranch Companynear Judith Gap.“We had a great time participating inthe ‘Walk A Mile In My Boots’ programwith Dan,” says Bob Lee. “He definitelygot hands-on experience out on the ranch,and was enthusiastic and willing to learnabout what we do here. The first day wasfilled with sorting cow/calf pairs andmoving cattle by semi-truck. Day twowas spent indexing calves, sorting, andmoving cow/calf pairs in preparation formarketing (shipping) day. On the thirdday, we hosted 120 participants at theranch for a Montana Ag Tour”.Brewer has invited Lee to visit the FWSin a parallel exchange program. Leesays he will take him up on the offer thiswinter. “We feel we have establisheda long term relationship with FWS andDan,” says Lee.New Zealand Lamb Numbers DeclineAccording to Meat New Zealand, lamb numbers fell six percent over thepast year to 31.15 million head, down from 33.09 million. Declining ewenumbers, lower consumption rates and poor breeding conditions havebeen blamed for the decrease. Given the decline in breeding ewes over the pastfew years, a fall in lamb numbers was expected in 2002/2003. However, drought,conditions earlier in the year, followed by cooler conditions, resulted in lambnumbers falling further than expected. Mark Jefferies, chief executive of MeatNew Zealand stated, “With the colder conditions experienced this year, we wouldexpect the lambing season to be extended. This will mean tighter supplies to ouroverseas markets prior to Christmas.”BUY PROVEN QUALITY!“SatisfiedCustomersfor Over40 Years”• Russet Burbank • Ranger Russet • Russet NorkotahCertified Seed Potatoes• PVX & PVY tested• Rigid Sanitation• Isolated AreaMartin & Sue(406) 284-3378Jake & Colleen(406) 285-4536• Beautiful 2003 Crop• Visitors Welcome• Gen. II & III AvailableKIMMBrothers FarmingMANHATTAN, MONTANA

Montana • 12WESTERNENERGYCOMPANYStoker CoalAvailable For YourHeating NeedsColstrip, Montana(406) 748-5100AttentionCattlemen• Nationwide Exposure to buyers• Seller Control• Low Commission rate• Trade 6 a.m. to midnight• Since 1998The CattleSaleCompanyDexter Buck,MT 406-357-2286Rob Adams,UT, AZ, NM 435-438-1716Ruby Hodnefield,WA, OR, CA, ID, NV541-938-0118Eric Mathias,Dairy and all other regions515-451-9068Cattlesale.comInternet LivestockMarketing ServiceCattleSale.com is a licensedand bonded livestock dealerthat uses the power of theInternet to combine theadvantages of an openauction with those of acountry deal. HOW DOESIT WORK? CattleSale.com’s experienced representativescome to yourranch to take pictures andcollect information on yourcattle. This lot descriptionis posted on our website.Prospective buyers can visitour website to preview yourconsignments 24 hours aday. Our representativesare present at shipment tomanage details and makepayment to you.www.ritzfamilypublishing.comWestern Energy CompanyReclamationis an integralpart ofWestern Energy’smining operation.The mined land isreclaimed to thepre-mining landuses of rangelandand cropland. Uponcoal removal the disturbed surface is regraded to the approximateoriginal contour and the topsoil is replaced. The land is then seededusing various native seed mixes appropriate to the topographicconditions. These seed mixes contain both cool and warm seasongrasses, forbs and shrubs. The reclaimed lands support grazing andcrop production at levels similar to the pre-mining lands. To datemore than 6,700 acres have been reclaimed. For more informationphone (406) 748-5100.The CattleSale CompanyInternet Cattle Marketing: The Time Is NowWith recent high cattle prices, it may be difficult to imaginethat the cattle industry will ever see another sorryday. However, we all know that prices such as theseare not likely to last forever. Over time, cattle sellers know thatthe absolute best way to assure receiving top dollar is to broadcasttheir offering to as many buyers as possible. The Internet providesthe tool for cattlemen of all sizes to do just that.Look at the example Ebay has shown us. Millions of ordinarypeople are using Ebay and other online auctions to find buyersfor virtually anything. Why not cattlemen? Why not broadcastyour cattle to anyone that has access to an Internet connection?The CattleSale Company has numerous experienced, qualifiedrepresentatives that can visit you at your ranch to get you startedselling your cattle on the Internet. These representatives will photographyour cattle and gather other key biographical informationthat helps describe your cattle to potential buyers.Then the representative posts the pictures on our website www.cattlesale.com along with the photographs, weight, breed and otherimportant information of interest to buyers is also posted. You aregiven the opportunity to price your cattle. Once the cattle are postedon the site, potential buyers are able to view the pictures, read thespecifics regarding the cattle and place a bid. If the buyer likes theway you have priced your cattle, he has the option of paying theasking price. In that case, he enters a contract to purchase your cattlefor that price. He also has the option of offering a price less thanwhat you have stated. In that case, you have the option of acceptingthe buyer’s lower bid or holding out for more.Marketing cattle on the Internet provides the most convenientoption for ranches of any size or location to offer their cattle tothe broadest spectrum of buyers. Selling cattle on the Internetkeeps you in control of the entire transaction. Call one of thebuyers in the ad on this page to learn more about this excitingnew cattle-marketing concept.

West 13On The Campus OfIdaho State University InPocatello, Idaho, January 2004The University Of Idaho Presents The36th AnnualIDAHO POTATO CONFERENCEJanuary 21, 22Student Union BuildingCheck it out online at:http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/district4/potato.htmlSpectra Productions Presents the 25th AnnualEastern Idaho Ag ExpoJanuary 20, 21, 22Holt ArenaFor information, phone (800) 635-2274University of IdahoExtensionDOUGLASDRILLINGInstall The Best...Service The RestCOMPLETE WATER WELL &PUMP INSTALLATION SERVICEFree Estimates • BondedOver 20 Years ExperienceBrett Douglas, Owner/DrillerROBERTS, MTSERVICINGMONTANA & WYOMING406-445-21521-866-415-5459CELL: 406-698-3616CLEAN & GREEN CORP.Presenting The Miniature Hay BalerMade from 1/4” & 1/8” steel, the Miniature Hay Baler ispowder coated for good looks and durability. The unithas a spring loaded control and it also has laminated hardMaple pusher blocks w/2 coats of polyurethane. The bale size is 8-1/2” x 4-1/2” x 3-5/8” and costs only three to four cents to make!Make it a business in itself, or add it to your existing business.The miniature Hay Baler can pay for itself within two days!Dealer inquiries are invited. For more information, contact Cleanand Green Corp. at 219-765-0500 or e-mail: fox@netnico.netMINIATUREHAY BALERPrice: $695 FOB• Made from 1/4” & 1/8” Steel• Laminated hard Maple pusherblocks w/2 coats of polyurethane• The steel unit is powder coated• Spring loaded tension control• Bale size is 8 1/2” x 4 1/2” x 3 5/8”Dealer Inquiries InvitedCAN PAY FORITSELF WITHIN2 DAYSMake it a business in itself or add it to yourexisting business. Cost 3-4¢ to make a bale.DISTRIBUTED BY:CLEAN & GREEN CORP.PO BOX 158 • LOWELL, IN 46356(219) 765-0500

14 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comNick’s Custom Boots, Now That’s Value!What Makes These Boots So Unique?Since the days of Nick Blahcuzyn (Bla-hushun) until today,Nick’s Boots has focused on one thing, and one thing alone .. . to hand-build top quality boots using only premium leathers,and time-tested, century-old craftsmanship techniquespassed on from generation to generation. As thousands ofNick’s customers nationwide, as well as around the world, canattest, once you’ve tried a pair Nick’s handmade, one hundredpercent leather boots, you’ll never go back to mass-producedfootwear again.The Legendary ArchMany customers ask aboutthe design of Nick’s Boots,especially the strong archsupport and heavy heel.Nick’s Custom Boots aredesigned to closely simulatethe natural form ofthe foot and to distributebody weight evenly amongthe heel, arch and ball ofthe foot. In a majority ofpeople this feature helpsminimize foot and legfatigue as well as lowerback pain attributable toinadequate foot support.Most mass-produced footweardoes not have a true arch, thus, the body weight resides onthe heel causing tiredness and pain in the middle to lower back,all the way down the legs including the feet. Your boots mustbe more than just foot covers. They must be strong enough tosupport your whole body, especially during strenuous work.When it comes to functionality, comfort and great looks, Nick’sBoots has you covered!How Were You FitWhile reading this information, think back to the last timeyou purchased footwear. Did the store clerk merely ask youfor your size or did they accurately measure both feet; not justone? A foot professional will recommend a certain style, heightor sole based on the needs dictated by your particular lifestyleand environment. Too often a sale is based solely on currentfashion trends and the customer simply tries on a number ofsizes and styles until a ‘cozy’ feel is achieved, regardless ofproper fit.For years, people have suffered needless pain and endlessfrustration trying to fitmass-produced footweararound their bunions. Customfitting remedies thiscondition by building ameasured ‘pocket’ for thebunion to reside, effectivelyeliminating blisters,pain and inflammation.Fitting? Do I Need aCustom Fit?Approximately 90% ofNick’s customers are easilyfit into a ‘stock size’.Each pair of Nick’s Bootsis built to specific orthopedicmeasurements basedon the length and width ofthe foot. The hand-placed orthopedic shaped arch providesenormous benefit to the wearer.Some folks however require a custom fit. This may includesimple adjustments to the arch or require different sizes for eachfoot. In the retail store (and boot factory), Nick’s professionalfitters will actually make a drawing of each foot and measureboth the feet and legs to create a uniquely customized patternfor the boot makers to follow. Most hard to fit foot problemssuch as heel spurs, bunions, a thick instep or a low or high archcan be remedied with a professional custom fit.Prescriptions provided by a doctor or orthopedist, can usuallybe built into a pair of Nick’s Custom Boots. A consultation isrecommended with a Nick’s representative.All measurements from stock sizes to custom fitting patternsare kept on file making future orders a breeze for adjustmentsthat may need to be made.HistoryNick Blahcuzyn lived the American Dream when he establishedNick’s Custom Boots in Spokane, Washington in 1964. Nickwas a Russian who escaped from Stalin’s army during WorldWar II. He immigrated to the United States after the war andmade his way to Washington State where he mastered his skillsas a boot craftsman from a famous North West bootmaker.Lifestyle Designs for Work and PlayNick’s offers a variety of work, casual and dress boots tomeet most every lifestyle and occupation. Working in adverseconditions from farming to firefighting calls for heavy-dutyoil tanned leathers available in various colors. The same com-

West 15fort and fit made famous in Nick’s sturdy work boots is alsoavailable in casual and dress styles from the lightweight softybuffalo or a finely trimmed two-tone, to the exotic stingray orshark. Transforming a day of hard work into a night of diningand dancing is as easy as changing your footwear. Because ofits comfort and styling, Nick’s dress boot is a popular choicein the business community. And, Nick’s is proud to supply it’shighly popular Wildland Firefighting Boots to those who fightto protect our forests and wildland areas.Nick’s Tips for Break-In and Care of Your BootsA boot should fit snugly all the way around the foot like a firmhandshake, because after break-in the boot will stretch abouta quarter inch from side to side. A boot that starts out ‘cozy’will end up too sloppy and require extra socks or aftermarketliners to snug up the fit after the break-in period. Break-in takesroughly 80-100 hours of wearing your boots for your feet toadjust to the transition.During this period, keep the exterior of the boot wet by sprayingwith a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. When theboots get overly tight or stiff wet them down and friction-rubwith your hands as if polishing them. The alcohol allows thewater to penetrate and soften the leather.Does it work to fill the boot with water to speed up the breakin?Sure, but it’s detrimental to the long-term health of theboot. The nails in the bottom of the boot begin to rust and willultimately weaken the structure of the boot.Keep the boot snugly laced. Its important that the boot be lacedtightly over the instep and around the ankle, which allows theleather behind the anklebones to seat properly. Snug is good,snugger is better.To prevent the infamous ‘bite’ on top of your instep, lace yourboots in the 2-1-3 method as shown in the photo.Get through the 80-100 hours with the alcohol and waterbreak-in technique and then grease your boots. Avoid greasingthe area around the brass hooks and eyes where softeningthe leather may cause them to pull out. Nick’s HD productsare recommended because they have no damaging ingredientsin them. The pine tars, petroleum, silicones and animal fat inother products clog the pores of the leather which must breatheto allow the acid and salts in sweat to dissipate.Nick’s HD Leather Preservative and HD Boot Oil are so pureit keeps your footwear from becoming crusty, mildewed or foulsmelling. It contains a mixture of beeswax and propolis, a naturaland waterproofing antibacterial tree resin which provides ahigh level of protection to the leather, keeping it soft and supple,while resisting water as well as chemicals.Sweat will slowly corrode the inner part of the boot. If youhave not oiled and greased your boots regularly, it is importantto neutralize the acid and salt caused by sweat. This is accomplishedby pouring a mixture of one heaping tablespoonof baking soda and twenty ounces of water into each boot.After sloshing it around, wetting the interior, pour it out andlet the boot dry.Why Nick’s Boots LastA lot of folks complain that their [mass-produced] bootslast only six to eighteen months. Because Nick’s Bootsare handcrafted withonly the finest qualityleathers and expertlyfit by professionals,with proper care youshould receive yearsof service and supportfrom your boots.Most customers areable to have theirboots resoled two tothree times before beingrebuilt. When it’stime to rebuild, Nick’sexpert boot makerswill replace everythingbut the portion of theboot that has formedto your ankle and theupper; very little of theoriginal boot remains.That’s like getting a brand new pair of boots that are alreadybroken in to fit your leg and ankle, and at about 50% of the costof a new pair of boots. . .Now that’s value!By Gary and Trudy Scott,Contributions by Bill Rose and Tom StoryTestimonial:Thank you! I received my custom boots, of which I have wornevery day since they arrived. The boots have been on a cattleroundup and helped process two fields of hay so far. I am verypleased at the quality, craftsmanship, and eye appeal of theseboots. Thank you again.Kevin RoodCoos Bay, OregonYOUR FULL SERVICEIRRIGATION COMPANYTownsend, MT • (406) 266-37411-800-654-2854www.watsonirrigation.com

West 17Angus Group Creates SelectionTools With Dollars In MindBeef producers today have access to a powerful list ofgenetic selection tools, primarily in the form of ExpectedProgeny Differences (EPDs). However, the wealth ofinformation can become overwhelming when it’s time to rankvarious herd sizes for numerous performance measures. Fortunately,the dynamics of multi-trait selection indexes as tools forcommercial cow-calf operators and seedstock breeders are rapidlyevolving for the beef industry. These tools, when used as part ofa complete breeding system encompassing all production arenas,can combine a set of EPDs into targeted economic values.As an answer to this call for dynamic performance indicators,the American Angus Association Board of Directors recently approvedthe release of new tools for commercial producers to addsimplicity to genetic selection decisions. The American AngusAssociation Spring 2004 Sire Evaluation Report will include therelease to Total Beef Value ($B), the first in a suite of bio-economicvalues, expressed in dollars per head, to assist commercial beefproducers. The $B values will be in the printed version of the SireEvaluation Report and may be viewed and sorted by accessingthe Sire Evaluation Search page at www.angus-siresearch.com.Further enhancements to this technology will include an interactivewebsite, where users can define postweaning and carcassparameters to create tailored $Values for their given scenario.“Although carcass merit is an important component of the beefproduction chain, the Total Beef Value is not to be used as a singleselection criterion, since it only combines postweaning and carcassindustry segments,” says Sally Dolezal, genetic research directorfor the Association. “The complete system of bioeconomic values,or net merit system, will in the future also include comprehensivereproduction and weaned calf values.”$B encompasses the dollar per head progeny difference in combinedpostweaning and carcass merit. The $B value has two pieces:Feedlot Value ($G). The values are calculated for animals withgrowth trait EPDs and end-product predictions (carcass EPDs,– Continued On Page 29Intermountain ConservationMark LincolnWeed ControlChemical • Biological • MechanicalBoumas’ Delta Promise WinsReserve World ChampionDelta Promise, a 4-year-old paint horse stallion ownedby Painted Horseshoe Ranch, Choteau, MT won theReserve World Champion honor in steer stoppingat the American Paint Horse Association World Show in FortWorth, Texas July 1-2.Nationally known roping trainer Gary Wells of Lone Grove.OK, rode Delta Promise as he competed in four events. The horsefinished fifth in calf roping, 10th in heeling and 13th in heading,finishing four events with 234 performance points.Delta Promise is a grandson of two famous American QuarterhorseAssociation horses, Doc Olena and Peppy San Badger. Hissire is a world champion calf roping horse and his half-brother,Gay Bar Olena, twice garnered honors as world championreining horse.Delta Promise will produce cutting, reining and roping prospects,according to owners Neal and Patty Bouma. The Boumasplan to have Delta Promise compete again in 2004.Information about Delta Promise and the Painted HorseshoeRanch is available on the web at www.paintedhorse.comSpecializing - Pastures, Rangeland, RoadlessSensitive Areas, Right of WaysPh: (406) 284-42551121 Nixon Gulch Rd.Manhattan, MT 59741

18 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comBAR DIAMOND BARFENCING, FIREWOOD & ARCHWAYSBOZEMAN, MT • 406-580-2854Proud To Support Montana’sFarmers & RanchersWholesaleAg ChemicalsWe have some great prices on Glyphosate(Round-up alternative) products-Give us a call!Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming,Colorado, Utah and Nevada sales1-800-872-2501Morris Grain Co.Morris, MNvisit our home page at: www.alexweb.net/mgcSteffes Overhead Drive Through Bins2 Sizes Available:25 to cake - 1152 bu • 40 ton cake - 1575 bu• Up to 14’ drive throughclearance available• Split compartmentsavailable• We deliver and setupon siteIdeal for cake, pallets, fertilizer or small grainCall for details • Built in the USADickinson, ND 58601(888) STEFFES (783-3337) or (701) 483-5400Beef Nutrition In SchoolsDuring the 2002-2003 school year, 1.6 million U.S.students learned about beef nutrition, food safety, andenvironmental stewardship thanks to the widespreaddistribution of teachers’ resource materials by Beef CheckoffProgram. School materials were distributed to teachers, reachingthe 1.6 million students. Promoted through the checkoff “Teachfree”website (www.teachfree.com) and state beef councils, thekits are made available to teachers of students from kindergartenthrough high school. Many of the education kits are free ofcharge to working teachers and include everything needed tointegrate beef education into a lesson plan.Beef Exports AreUp This YearThe U.S continues to be a net exporter of beef and vealproducts (on a tonnage basis). U.S. beef and veal exporttonnage is three percent larger thank 2002 levels. U.S.beef exports continue to substitute for Canadian products bannedfrom world markets.Of the major trading partners, only exports to Korea and Mexicoshowed significant year-to-year increases, up nineteen and threepercent from a year ago.Imports of beef and veal have been down from last year due totight restrictions on Canadian beef. The U.S. imported more beeffrom New Zealand (up 33 percent) and Mexico (25 percent).On a tonnage basis, the U.S. was a net exporter of beef in June,July, and August. That trend could continue, but given the recentrise in wholesale beef prices, U.S. beef sales more than likelydeclined this past fall, leading to the U.S. being a net importerof beef during the remainder of 2003.Steffes CorporationSteffes Corporation began manufacturing and selling HopperBins in 1983 on a local basis of a 100-mile radius.Currently their customer base is mainly in North Dakota,South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming. However, their territoryis quickly expanding. Steffes Overhead Drive Through Bins havebeen delivered to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Iowa,Minnesota, Kentucky, Illinois, Nebraska and even parts of Canada.Steffes currently manufactures two sizes of their square overheadbins. The smaller model holds 30 ton of cake, or 1152 bushels,and the larger model holds 40 ton of cake or 1575 bushels. Drivethrough clearances range from 7’ up to 14’ to allow for unloadinginto trucks, feeders or semis. Split compartments are also availablein both standard sizes. This allows you to store two differentproducts on one bin.Engineering, design and manufacturing capabilities of Steffes Corporationallows them to design and build custom bin systems. Systemswith multiple compartments and larger capacity are available as wellas superstructures to allow higher drive through clearances.Contact us at 888-STEFFES (783-3337) toll-free to have yourcustom bin system designed.

West 19INEXPENSIVE HIGH PERFORMANCE WELDER DESIGNED FOR FARMERS!“Professionals always ask if our welders really do the job ofmachines costing thousands more” says Anthony Blazina, Presidentof ZENA, Inc., about his company’s revolutionary DC weldingequipment. Based on patented technology, ZENA’s ultra-compactlow cost welders easily attach to any engine. Install one, and youhave a powerful go-anywhere mobile welder. Blazina continues,“Then, after trying it, they say it’s the best welder they’ve ever used,asking, ‘why haven’t I heard about this?’ The answer’s simple.Imagine you sell mobile welders. Two types meet your customer’sneeds. One fills the back of a truck, the ZENA welder is invisible-- installed underhood. The ZENA welder offers far betterperformance, is more reliable, safer to operate, and sells for only afifth the cost. However, the customer doesn’t know it exists. Keepquiet, sell the expensive welder, and your profit puts over $1,000in your pocket. Sell the ZENA welder, and the lower selling pricemakes your profit only $200. Which would you sell?”ZENA welders retrofit easily to tractors, pickups, utility vehicles,riding mowers, burned out engine driven welders, andfreestanding engines. PTO and hydraulic drive models are alsoavailable. The welders can also provide power for MIG or TIGwelding, act as a DC power source, or quick charge batteries!They’re real powerhouses, ranging from 150, to over 800 amps!ALL are 100% duty cycle machines designed for non stop commercialwork. Buy a 200A ZENA welder, and you get 200A -- continuously.Other brands provide only a fraction of rated power forcontinuous welding.Blazina notes, “Unlike other welders, ALL welding controlsare literally atthe operator’sfingertips -- built intothe electrodeholder -- nomore walkingback and forthfrom job site tocontrol panel.You can evenadjust powerwhile welding!Incrediblyreliableand durable,our weatherproofweldersare designed for the worst conditions -- backed by a three yearwarranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee.”A 150A welder for tractors and free standing engines is under$500. A deluxe “truck” version, with bracketing accessories,engine speed control, and quick disconnects is under $700.For information contact ZENA, Incorporated, 330 Club SpringsRoad, Elmwood, TN 38560; 877-936-2462 (toll free) or 615-897-2011; web site www.zena.net. ZENA is a trademark owned by ZENA,Incorporated for its welding systems, components, and accessories.ZAVALA CUSTOMORCHARD WORKS &EXCAVATINGFoundationsSewer & Water LineSeptics • ClearingLicensed & InsuredRobert Zavala ~ Owner406-982-3326Fax 406-982-300718675 E. Shore RtBig Fork, MT

20 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comDeRuwe FarmsThe Cheap guy, the Cowboy and the Commercial GrowerLet me introduce myself. My name is Randy De-Ruwe. I’ve raised alfalfa seed for over 22 yearsin the Walla Walla Valley in the southeastern partof Washington State. As a seed grower and seed dealerselling alfalfa seed direct to other farmers, I have hadthree kinds of customers.1. The Cheap Guy: His only real concern is “What doyou have available at the lowest possible price?”. Thenext question is “How much will the freight cost andhow fast can it get here? The field is worked and readyto seed today!”. This customer doesn’t want to hearabout fall dormancy ratings, disease resistance or yields.These fellows make for short conversations.2. The Cowboys: These guys raise hay for their ownuse. A typical question is “What will the stand looklike in 10 years?”. The answer is don’t plant a priority,hotshot, big yielder variety. Generally, they are notenduring varieties. Another question, “Does this varietyhave a high or low crown in the soil? Will it survivecattle traffic?”. Answer: “I have no idea. I’m just a seedgrower.” The next question I typically hear is: “Is this acoarse stem variety?” The answer is: All varieties will growbig stems if the stand is thin and the plants have room to growmore like a bush. This leads to questions about seeding rates.If you expect the variety to last for 10 years, seed it heavybecause all stands thin with age. We have dryland customersin Montana with 12 inches of rainfall per year seed only 5-8pounds per acre. Irrigated fields in Montana run 10-15 poundsper acre. In the northwest, irrigated fields run 20+ poundsper acre. Even some dryland customers in high rainfall areasof the northwest seed 20 pounds to the acre.When it comes to seeding rates, alfalfa hay growers shouldask themselves: are they looking for fine stem hay or a coarsestem stand? How much weed pressure will there be? Arethey looking for an alfalfa/grass mix? How fertile is thesoil and how much moisture will be available? What is thelife expectancy of the stand? What time of the year are youplanning to plant--early spring in cold soil or warmer soilBuy Alfalfa Seed Grower DirectCertified Shaw (MT9305) $1.55 lb • Certified Wrangler $1.30 lbProprietory VNS $1.25 lbShipping is an additional .18 to .35 per pound depending on weight anddistance. Certified Shaw Alfalfa Seed has been developed by the MontanaAgricultural Experiment Station for increased forage yield under drylandconditions. Shaw has a full dormancy rating of 3, which is similar to “5246”,Ranger and Perry. Shaw has high resistance to Aphanomyces root rot, andnorthern root-knot nematode, resistance to Phytophthora root rot, peaaphid, spotted aphid, and has moderate resistance to verticillium wilt,anthracnose race 1, and stem nematode. It has produced significantly moreforage under dryland conditions than Ladak 65, which is the standarddryland variety grown in the harsh environs of eastern Montana.Randy DeRuwe675 Barney Road, Touchet, WA. 99360 • e-mail:deruwe@wwics.comPhone: (509) 529-9671 • Cell Phone: (509) 520-0916with a summer planting? What is the percentage of hardseed in the variety you are buying? Hard seed is slow togerminate and might take and extra time to come up. If youapply herbicides to a seeding, there is always the chance youwill kill a percentage of small plants that germinated late.What type of seeding equipment are they using and what isthe condition of the field being seeded? For example, tineharrows work well on a firm seedbed, but if the field is toolight and fluffy, a tine harrow may put some seed too deep.A Brillion packer seeder works well on light fluffy soil, butin wet, heavy soil, seed ends up on the surface. There mustbe a zillion different ways to establish a stand. I know onegrower that plows light soil without packing it, lays outhand line sprinklers in the field, hires a crop duster to fly onthe seed, turns on the sprinklers and lets the impact of thesprinklers water in the seed. Lately, I’ve been impressed withlight fall tillage, leaving some residual on the surface andthe ground basically undisturbed all fall and winter. Whenspring comes, an application of Roundup is applied just beforeplanting with a no-till drill. Using this technique, youdon’t promote weeds because you aren’t disturbing the soiland conserving moisture.3. “Commercial grower”. They like to talk about yields. Iencourage all producers to check out their State University’sforage trials comparisons. Information can be found on theweb, or the local County Extension office. Questions concerningfall dormancy and different disease resistance arecommon subjects. Generally, the lower the fall dormancyrating number, the more winter hardy the variety is.In conclusion, there is never a simple answer to all thecomplex questions a “cheap guy, cowboy, or commercialgrower” could ask.

West 21Spokane Ag From Page 5will be featured in the Spokane Arena.Keynote Speakers - Tuesday, Jan. 13,9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., DoubleTree CityCenter Hotel. “Northwest Weather,” anannual Farm Forum favorite with Dr. ArtDouglas. “The Australian Wheat MarketingSystem,” Nathan Brown, AustralianWheat Board, Ltd. Sponsored by theWashington Wheat Commission. Cost formain session speakers: $8.00.Congressman George Nethercutt -Wednesday, Jan. 14, 9:00 a.m., Ag TradeCenter Theater, “Federal Farm Issues.”Cost is included in the Ag Expo ticket.Panel Discussion: “The Global Marketplace– Issues Impacting NW Cattle Producers”- Thursday, Jan. 15, 9:00 a.m., LesSchwab Room, Spokane Arena. This panelwill address issues affecting cattle producers,including BSE, COOL, free trade,and animal ID programs. The panel participantswill provide many different perspectives.This is an opportunity to havean interactive discussion about issues youare dealing with in your operation. Cost isincluded in the Ag Expo ticket.Panel Discussion: “Rural Economic Development”- Thursday, Jan. 15, 1:00 pm,Ag Trade Center Theater. A panel discussionwill focus on shrinking rural communitiesin our area and the economic hardshipthat these communities face. Panelparticipants will provide information aboutresources available, strategies for growth,and anecdotes about what has been successfulfor other small communities. Costis included in the Ag Expo ticket.Show hours - January 13, 10:00 am - 5:00pm, January 14, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, andJanuary 15, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.Cost - SPOKANE AG EXPO: $9.00 foradults (includes free parking at the Arena),$6.00 for youth (12-18 yrs) and childrenunder 11 years are free. The Ag Expopass is good for all three days of the show.FARM FORUM: $8.00 for adults. FarmForum tickets are for admission to theTuesday events at the DoubleTree Hotel.All tickets can be purchased through theG&B ticket outlets at the Arena and ConventionCenter the week of the show.For more information: www.agshow.orgVeterinary PetI n s u r a n c eI n c e n t i v eAs employees are taking onheavier workloads and workinglonger days, more companiesare seeking innovative sways to provideincentives and keep employee retentionrates high. One voluntary employee benefitthat continues to grow in popularityis health insurance for pets. The WeatherChannel recently started offering VeterinaryPet Insurance (VPI) plans to itsemployees, joining the ranks of hundredsof other companies including GMAC,Navy Federal Credit Union and ChipotleMexican Grill to offer this benefit. Formore information about VPI policies,call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) orvisit www.petinsurance.comOTECOWHEEL TRACK FILLEREliminate Your Center PivotWheel Track Problems(Patented)10 YardCapacityCOMPLETEPROPANESERVICE & SALESHOME PROPANE DELIVERYHOME APPLIANCE SALESRefrigerators • RangesFurnaces • Water HeatersNORTHERN ENERGY INC.MISSOULA, MT • 406-721-23003301 W. BROADWAYPOLSON, MT • 406-883-2406200 SEVENTH AVE.(307) 322-3373www.OtecoMfg.comKALISPELL, MT • 406-257-34061120 E. IDAHO ST.HELENA, MT • 406-442-54092200 AIRPORT RD.V-1 PROPANEVICTOR, MT • 406-642-36362364 HWY. 93 NORTHPLAINS, MT • 406-826-3461102 W. RAILROADBOZEMAN, MT • 406-586-97072400 NORTH 7TH AVE.ENNIS, MT • 406-682-4230349 E. MAIN ST.

22 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comBEARTOOTH RANCH TO DONATE HEIFER TO ANGUS FOUNDATIONBeartooth Ranch, Columbus,Montana, will donate one oftheir outstanding heifers toheadline the 2004 Angus FoundationHeifer Package. The package will sell atthe 2004 National Western Stock Show.Proceeds from the sale go directly tothe Angus Foundation, which supportsyouth, education and research.The sale of the package will beginthe 2004 National Western Angus BullSale, set for 2 P.M., Thursday January15 in the Beef Palace Auction Arenaat the National Western Complex inDenver, Colorado.The package includes BT EvereldaEntense 51N, a January 2003 daughterof Twin Valley Precision E161. A pictureof the heifer and her full pedigreeis available at www.angusfoundation.org. In addition to the heifer, the buyerreceives 30 days of free insurance fromAmerican Live Stock Insurance Co.,Geneva, Ill.; free transportation tothe buyer’s farm or ranch providedby Lathrop Livestock Transportation,Dundee, Ill; a flush and three embryoimplants into the buyer’s recipientcows from Trans Ova Genetics, SiouxCenter, Iowa; a semen package fromGenex; Ivomec provided by MERIAL;and Angus Information ManagementSoftware (ALMS). Package from theAssociation ALMS department, and abanner ad from the Angus ProductionInc., Web Marketing department.“The generosity of Beartooth Ranchis greatly appreciated,” says JamesFisher, American Angus Associationdirector of activities and junior activities.“Beartooth Ranch is donatinga very complete heifer with outstandinggenetics.”For more information about the AngusFoundation heifer package or ways youcan contribute to the Angus Foundation,log onto www.angusfoundation.org orcontact the American Angus Associationat 816-383-5100 or visit with anyregional manager.Egbers Flighting& Supply Co.Egbers Still At It1200 Sizes of AugerFlighting on Hand90% of our Stock is Super EdgeWe ship flighting mounted or unmountedCustom Machine and FabricationComputerized Balancing AvailableSupporting parts plus Pipe, Tube & Shaft and moreWhether you need to patch your auger or requiretotal replacementEgbers Fighting & Supply Co.Your One-Stop-Shop for your replacement needsNo Minimum Order Requirements!Phone 402-567-2773 • Fax 402-567-3211www.eflighting.comWhen you hear Auger flighting, most of you think ofEgbers. We’re very proud that we’re so well knownby our customers, “Says Doug Egbers, ownerof Egbers Flighting & Supply.” The Egbers family has beeninvolved in the Auger and Agricultural Repair business since1974.” Doug and Laura Egbers are the newest members to takeon the family business. In January, 2003 Egbers Farms Inc. waspurchased and Egbers Flighting & Supply was set in place.Egbers still offers a wide variety of auger flighting and recentlythey opened up their other stock items for resale. “In the past,we did not heavily advertise our stock of tube, shaft and augeraccessories. There are so many companies that require minimumorders, we opened our stock items to better accommodate ourcustomers,” says Laura Egbers. Egbers has no minimum orderrequirements.Also new with Egbers is their 20 ft. balancing machine. Theyhave found a better-finished product when unloading augers arebalanced. “We can take most of the vibration out these unloadingaugers,” Doug Egbers says. The faster the auger runs the greaterthe need for the auger to be balanced. ”We have customers drivefrom all over just to balance their grain cart augers.”Along with their many stock items, Egbers accommodatestheir customers by shipping complete augers. “We have a lotof talent in our company, and we like the variety of projectsthat we do,” says Doug Egbers. “We’ve worked on augers assmall as 2” in diameter for corn burners and 24” in diameterfor a rock quarry.Walking into their inventory shed, you see rows and rows ofauger flighting. Around 1200 sizes are on hand at all times. 90%of these sizes are the ‘Super Edge’ Auger Flighting. Egberspossesses a talent for size and application. Just call on their salesstaff and they can fit about any application you have for yourcombine, grain cart, transport auger and more.Remember, Egbers Flighting & Supply; they’re your one stopshop for auger replacement needs! Phone: 800-462-2588 or402-567-2700, website: www.eflighting.com

West 23Merrick’s A Division of Merrick Animal Nutrition, Inc.Bringing together experience, research, performance and commitment.Merrick’s mission is to manufacture animal feed productsand ingredients for a worldwide market, providingquality and service exceeding the expectationsof our customers. Merrick’s began selling dairy products to thefeed industry in 1959. The experience and knowledge Merrick’sbrought to the industry helped establish the standards by whichmilk and fat products are judged today.Innovative Product DevelopmentAfter pioneering in the manufacture of 60% and 80% dry highfat products, we expanded this line to include 100% fat for bothdairy cow and swine rations. Merrick’s was the first to developand introduce many innovative products that optimize the survivaland health of baby animals. In 1982 Merrick’s expandedto manufacture andmarket a full lineof branded milk replacersfor calves,baby pigs, foals,lambs and kids.Over the years wehave developedinnovative supplements,additivesand electrolytes forall species.Milk Replacers . . . and So Much More!Animal plasma in milk replacers was introduced into the marketby Merrick’s in 1989. In 1998 we developed a calf milkreplacer formulated with spray dried animal blood cells. Inthe search to develop nutritionally advanced products for usein milk replacers, we test many alternative proteins. This testingresulted in the formulation of egg protein milk replacersfor both Merrick’s branded milk replacers and private labelcustomers. In 1994 we developed a calf nursing bottle anda patented nipple featuring the first advance in calf nippledesign in many years. That year Merrick’s also entered thepoultry feed industry with products to help producers maintainhealthier animals.Research and Product FormulationsAt Merrick’s, research is a basic belief and an ongoing process.Research into all aspects of animal nutrition results inthe development of innovative products and in our ability tooffer products with a wide range of protein and fat sources.The manufacture of these products allows us to fulfill a varietyof needs to help guarantee the survival and health of valuableanimals. Merrick’s qualified nutritionists can help determinewhich product formulations will best meet producersneeds. We also market a wide range of ingredients for swineand dairy rations, in addition to dry fat, including whey, lactose,animal blood cells and plasma.CommitmentMerrick’s is committed to develop, manufacture and marketquality products. We maintain a high level of commitment tothe individual needs and success of our customers and producers.Merrick’s technical staff is available to assist with anyquestions about our products and good animal managementpractices.Merrick’s, Inc. Brands:Milk Replacers: Centurion, Millennium, Cell Star, WinterStar, Super Star, Gold Star, Silver Star and Blue Star forCalves; Soweena Litter-Gro and Litter Life for Baby Pigs;Super Lamb and Super Kid; Grow-N-Glow for FoalsAdditives & Supplements: Plas/Magic, Super Calf-Kit, SuperGuard - Type B for CalvesElectrolytes: Blue Ribbon Electrolytes with Direct-Fed Microbials– for all speciesPoultry Vaccine Stabilizer: Vacci-GuardNursing Equipment: Super-Calf Nipples & Bottles Super-CalfOral Bottle FeederDry Fats: Soweena 7-60/4-80 & Select 100 for Swine Rations;Dairy Ultra 100 for Lactating CowsMERRICK’S, INC.The Performance Leader in Baby Animal NutritionJohanna Kuehn, Director–Global Sales & MarketingPO Box 620307, Middleton, WI 53562.0307 USAl.800.MER.RICK (637.7425)1.608.831.3440 / FAX: l.608.836.8943mersales@merrick’s.com / www.merricks.com

24 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comProfitability Will Be Focus Of ConventionCattle industry attention, leadershipand expertise will meet in Arizonaat the Phoenix Civic Plaza thisJanuary when the cattle industry holds its2004 Convention & Trade Show. The eventwill run from January 28 to January 31 st .Pocketbook issues will be examinedin an effort to enhance producers’ profitabilityas part of the many educationaland informational offerings at the event.The Cattlemen’s College, a trade show,entertainment and networking await themore than 5,500 cattle industry participantsexpected in Phoenix.The annual convention and trade showwill again be hosted by the Cattlemen’sBeef Promotion & Research Board, NCBA,the American CattleWomen, Inc., NationalCattlemen’s Foundation and Cattle-Fax.The convention will begin January 28 thwith Cattlemen’s College, a series ofeducation sessions sponsored by PfizerAnimal Health. The sessions seek to keepcattlemen and women up-to-date on maychanges going on within the industry.Included are sessions about selling on agrid system, how to detect and control BVDamong your herd, process verification, howto boost profitability and other subjects.The Cattle-Fax Outlook Seminar, whichwill look at trends, strategies and managementopportunities for 2004 and beyond,is free with your paid registration toCattlemen’s College. Cowboy poet andhumorist Baxter Black will entertain folksat the Cattlemen’s College Luncheon, alsofree to those registered for Cattlemen’sCollege.The Opening General Session, sponsoredby Fort Dodge Animal Health, featuresspeaker Gene Kranz, leader of the teamof flight directors who brought the Apollo13 spaceship safely back to Earth in 1970.For information, call Conventions, 303-694-0305.Iron Mountain Bison RanchRonald Thiel ran a successfulWyoming construction companywith a track record thatboth competitors and casual observersadmired. So what made him sell thecompany that his parents founded andturn to ranching?You might call it the call of the wild,or, perhaps more accurately, a desireto reconnect with Wyoming’s westernheritage. Thiel might never have goneinto ranching had the constructioncompany he inherited from his fathernot done so well. Mike J. Thiel and hiswife, Gertrude, founded the companyand moved to Wyoming in 1953.Ronald Thiel and his wife. Janice,purchased their first ranch in 1988while still involved in the constructionindustry. They began raising buffalo andenjoyed it so much that they sold MikeJ. Thiel, Inc. to their employees.Today, Thiel and his family operate fiveranches in three states covering 60,000acres. A son, Mike Thiel, runs a ranchin South Dakota, while a daughter Amy,and another son, Dan, and his wife,Patty, work on the Wyoming rancheswhich are split into two divisions -ranching and tourism.Ranching operations are handled bythe Iron Mountain Bison Ranch, whichproduces high-quality bison calves andbison meat. The meat is processed inColorado Springs and distributed outof Denver through Rocky MountainNatural Meats under the Great RangeBison label.Thiel, who has been fascinated withbuffalo for as long as he can remember,would have been content to raise buffalohad he not discovered that others sharedhis fascination with these nomadic creatures.He spent so much time showinghis buffalo to curious passersby that hedecided to add a tourism component tohis business.Dan and Patty Thiel helped start thetourism division on Terry Bison Ranch.The ranch offers visitors a wide rangeof activities from horseback riding,pony rides and a tour of the bison heldto fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides andcowboy poetry readings. The ranch alsohas a general store, restaurant and RVpark. Other accommodations includecabins that sleep four and a 17-roombunkhouse that sleeps two per room.The Terry Bison Ranch gives visitorsthe opportunity to reconnect with nature,while the Iron Mountain Bison Ranchensures that an important piece of theAmerican fabric of life lives on.Iron Mountain Bison RanchBison Hunts and Bison Meat available year-round.Quality Breeding Stock available year-round.We have been selectively breeding bison for 16 years.Toll free 1-866-IMBISON or 307-635-5975 in Cheyenne, WY

West 25Bale Buddy Mfg. Inc.Big Bale Flaker TM To Meet Your NeedsBale Buddy Mfg. Inc. introduces the Big Bale Flaker. It is theoriginal “Bale Flaker”. Due to the extended drought in thelate 90’s in Southern Oklahoma, ranchers were forced tofeed large quantities of hay that was brought in from long distances.The best way to transport this hay was in large square bales, but itleft ranchers with the predicament of how to feed this hay efficiently.On Sparks Ranch, it was a problem that had to be addressed. Cattlewere fed cubes by automatic cube feeders, which allowed one manto feed by himself. To have two men feed large square bales fromone pickup was unacceptable. So ranch manager, John Sparks, andranch foreman, Todd Whatley, proceeded to solve the problem. Theidea was simple: Push the bale over the edge of the bed of the feedtruck. However, controlling the amount of hay coming off was notquite so simple. Fortunately, Sparks Ranch had roughly 800 cowsto feed which allowed John and Todd to experiment with severaldifferent models before designing the final prototype. It was firstused in the winter of 1998 and has been in use for five years. Sinceit was designed by the same men who were going to use it, it wasmade as simple and convenient as possible. Cost efficiency andlow maintenance were crucial to the final product. No unnecessary“bells and whistles” were allowed. The “Big Bale Flaker” is anall-electric, completely remote controlled system. It uses the 12Vsystem on any truck or tractor as a power source. It fits on any flatbedand feeds any size of large square bale, using electric winchesand motors. The “Big Bale Flaker” comes in single or multi-balereloading units that allow more than one bale to be taken at a time.The reloading unit can carry from two to six bales. Another featureof the “Big Bale Flaker” is the optional “flaker assist”. This devicehelps to break up tightly bound hay such as alfalfa. It is an electricmotor spinning paddlewheels, which strike the top edge of thebale, causing even the tightest bale to come off one to two flakesat a time. The “Big Bale Flaker” is the original Bale Flaker. It is asafe, convenient way to feed hay from the comfort of your pickupor tractor. It is a labor saving device that is economical to operate.It sells for less than $2,000 for the base unit and less than $6,000for the largest reloading unit. For more information call 580-868-3330 or 580-856-3637BALE BUDDYMANUFACTURING INCORPORATEDPRESENTSTHE BIG BALE FLAKERTHE NEW ERA OF FEEDING LARGESQUARE BALES OF HAY.CONVENIENCE, SAFETY,LESS WASTE, TIME SAVED.Completely Remote Control, All Electric SystemFeeds All Types & Sizes of Large Sq. BalesFits Any Flatbed Truck Or TrailerSingle Or Multi-Bale Units Available580/868-3330 • 580/856-3637Hennepin, OKNew CheeseburgerFries IntroducedCheeseburger Fries are the new snack food item, developedusing beef checkoff funds to sweep America. Theproduct represents an untapped opportunity to providebeef lovers with another way to enjoy beef. Capitalizing onthe huge cheeseburger market, and consumer demand for moreportable food options, the industry has produced CheeseburgerFries, a tasty combination of ground beef and cheese in a Frenchfry-shapewith a crispy coating. It has been described as a crossbetween a chicken nugget and a cheese stick, capable of beingserved with a variety of menu applications in a variety of flavorsand shapes.USDA Announces InitiativeTo Donate Dry MilkAgriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announcedrecently that the U.S. Department of Agriculture willdonate non-fat milk to non profit, faith-based and communityorganizations for use in meal services or for distributionto needy recipients. “Partnering with faith-based and communityorganizations to provide a healthy food staple builds on PresidentBush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative”, said Veneman.“This program will contribute to our efforts to meet nutritionalrequirements of those in need.”SchererCORRUGATING & MACHINE, INC.MILL AND KERNALPROCESSOR ROLLSWe offer:-H.D. Kernal Processor for Claas, 800’s & 900-Sawtooth Style KP Rollers For JD 5000, 6000& 7000 Cutters-Sawtooth Style KP Rollers For NH FX Models-Automatic & Henke replacement Mill Rolls-New And Used Cast Mill Rolls-Complete Cast Mill Roll Regrooving ServiceTHE AUTHORIZEDROSKAMP/CHAMPION SERVICE CENTERCALL FOR PARTS OR ON SITE SERVICE1-800-883-9790Roller Mill Sales and Servicewww.scherercorrugating.com

26 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comNorth American Clun Forest AssociationMany sheep producers raiseClun Forests because they aretired of pulling lambs, tired ofsluggish lambs that don’t seem to knowwhere to find their first drink, tired ofhaving to buy one ram for market lambsand another to produce replacementewes, tired of having to pour pound afterpound of grain into their market lambsbecause they just don’t fatten on grass,tired of high-maintenance ewes, tired ofewes that don’t look after their lambs,and just plain tired.The dominant traits of the Clun centeraround lambing—despite their dark faces,Cluns are predominantly a maternalbreed. They lamb easily by themselves,they produce tremendous amounts ofmilk, they are very protective of theirlambs, and they generally drop twins.Experienced Clun breeders know thatcommercial, first-cross Clun ewes actlike purebreds. Even the ewe lambs dowell on their own. A breeder in Albertareflects on first lambing Clun ewe lambson 600 acres of unfenced bush: “I hadthought that the ewelambs were goingto be a nightmareon their own in thewide open spacesbut they have surprisedme. So far,only two neededany attention at all.A couple needed afew hours of qualitytime with theirlambs inside a portablepen and thenthey were on theirown. A couple had twins and needed noassistance from me.”Clun lambs are vigorous from birth andquick to their feet. Although they do growquickly, many people unfamiliar withthem have the same comment: “Gee,they’re kind of small, aren’t they?” Theanswer is: “Weigh them.” These arecompact animals with a lot more poundsper square inch than is apparent.Clun purebreds and crossbreds alike areWild CountryConstruction IncHillside FoundationsCustom HomesCustom ConcreteCommercial BuildingsAll Phases of ConstructionNo Job Too SmallCall Jesse or Gary(406) 859-5062490-0822 CellularServing Montana Farmers and Ranchersmeaty lambs with a good dressing percentage,consistent muscling, and a mildflavor. One breeder reports having twolambs, a Clun cross and a Suffolk-Finn-Targhee cross, slaughtered. Althoughthere was a 20 pound difference in liveweight between the two, there was onlyfive pounds difference in the carcasses.It was easy, she reports, to tell which wasthe Clun: it was the one with the meatyleg. Another breeder, who caters to atrade at his local farmer’s market, wasshort of ewes to turn into sausage andshishkebobs, so he bought five Hampshireewes. He butchered them and fiveClun ewes. “From the five Cluns,” hesays, “we had a medium-sized mixingbowl of fat, and from the five Hampshireswe had two five-gallon buckets full! Surprisingly,there wasn’t much more meatfrom the Hampshires.”Cluns are good sheep, working sheepdeveloped by and for working shepherds.Try them; you’ll see.For more information, phone 507-864-7585or go to www.clunforestsheep.org“THE SHEPHERD’S SHEEP”Bets Reedy, Secretary21727 Randall Dr. • Houston, MN 55943(507) 864-7585

West 27Manage Farm Stress To Stay SafeFarmers cope with more job stressthan the average worker. In fact, theNational Institute for OccupationalSafety and Health reports that farming is oneof the 10 most stressful occupations and oneof the most dangerous occupations - with anaccident rate second only to mining.The combination of stress and daily workaround powerful machinery and /or large animalsin varying and unpredictable situationscan lead to accidents.The most effective wayto counter farm stress is to recognize thatsome events can be stressful and to planways to deal with those stressors effectively- before symptoms become severe.Stress can manifest itself as physicalsymptoms such as headaches or stomachproblems, or as emotional symptomsthrough angry outbursts or depression. Inmost people, stress affects relationships withothers and is often first noticed by someoneother than the person experiencing it. Stresscan also lead to action or behavior that resultsin a farm accident.Research shows that even under similarcircumstances, farmers react differently tothe amount of stress they experience, Slocombesaid. This is because some farmersdevelop more effective coping strategiesthan others.Stress levels among farmers may increasefarm accidents.Tips for managing stress:• Recognize your personal symptomsand make a conscious decision to dosomething about them• Eat nutritious foods daily. Just asmachinery needs quality fuel, ourbodies need nutritious food to functionproperly.• Keep machinery and equipment in goodworking condition. Elimination potentialbreakdowns can minimize stressfulevents.• Talk about your stress with family or aclose friend.• Do something relaxing every day - evenif it’s just for a few minutes.• Exercise. Farmers get a lot of exercise,but it’s not always vigorous enough. Tryto do some type of aerobic exercise atleast three times a week.Sheep & GoatIndustry LoansNational Livestock ProducersAssociation (NLPA) Sheep andGoat Fund Committee recentlyannounced the availability of loans at fourpercent interest projects aimed at improvingthe sheep and goat industries.The fund is being used to benefit all sectorsof the sheep and goat industries, with thesole exception of production loans whichare outside the scope of the loan program.A 1999 agreement between the NationalSheep Industry Improvement Center andNLPA enables the Sheep Center funds tobe used in the sheep and goat industries.The agreement allows NLPA to maintaina revolving fund used exclusively forloans to the sheep and goat industries.Currently, the NLPA Sheep & Goat FundCommittee has extended 32 loans to 26 entitiesin 17 states and has received 53 applications.More than #6.9 million has been loanedto sheep and goat businesses, leaving about $7million still available for new applications.For more information, contact the NLPA atl-800-237-7193 or go to: www.nlpa.org.GENERAL EXCAVATIONAll Levels of Dirt WorkPONDS• Land Enhancement• Aquatic Reclamation• Fisheries • Stream DesignPOND LINERS - Installed & SoldROAD BUILDING • HAULINGCall Joe Schindler(406) 388-7155Cell (406) 580-111751 Daniel WayBelgrade, MT 59714FIRST SECURITYBANK OF HELENAMEMBER F.D.I.C.(406) 442-88701721 Eleventh Ave.Helena, MTMake deposits,withdrawals, transfers... Outside the lobbyHELENA’SHOME-OWNED,FULL-SERVICE BANK9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Lobby Hours9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Drive-In HoursFirst Security Bank proudly salutesMontana’s farmers & ranchersCERTIFIED SEED POTATOES• Russet Burbank• PVX and PVY Tested• Clean Readings• We Are Committedto Providing YouQuality SeedWATAVIEW FARMRon Dyk5377 Dyk RoadManhattan, MT 59741406-282-7529Fax 406-282-7189

28 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.comPFENDLER POST & POLE, INC.Pfendler Post & Pole started inbusiness in April of 1985. LeoPfendler is a transplant from Fryburg,Pennsylvania and moved out herein 1972. In August of 1975, he married alocal girl. Sherry Skinner, who grew upon a ranch west of Hall. They have threechildren — Jeremy (24), Christian (22),and Racquel (15).Leo enjoys the out-of-doors, and workedas a sawyer for several years in the Helmvilleand Drummond area, then for EnergyOperating Corporation, an oil well drillingcompany that started exploratory drilling inDrummond. He worked away from homefor several years before deciding that it wastime to make Drummond his permanentresidence. He began sawing timber on theright-of-way for the Bonneville PowerLine. That is when he realized there was aneed for a post and pole yard in the area, as there was none atthat time. The Pfendlers purchased the post yard business fromPaul Johnson at Race Track and during the winter of 1985-86,it was moved to its present location on the east end of Drummond.The present site, just off 1-90 makes it very convenientfor suppliers and buyers alike.The business employs six full-time people, including Leoand Sherry, and provides jobs for many self-employed cutters.One of their most recent changes has been the hiring of DonBickel, their manager. He oversees the telephone, takes orders,scales cutters, keeps track of the inventory, and does follow-upphone calls with customers. His expertise in the field has beena great asset to the business. This has freed Leo up to do morebuilding, repair, and upgrade of the current equipment, so as tomake the work easier and more efficient. Sherry is still doingthe bookkeeping and runs for parts when needed.The business supplies a variety of products, such as tree stakes,rails, posts, jack-legs, crotch-legs, doweled rail fencing, gates,and split-rail haystack panels. The product can be purchasedeither peeled or unpeeled, and untreated or treated with CCAwood preservative, which means shipping the material to Marks-PFENDLER POST & POLE INC.4 Frontage Rd. East • P.O. Box 246Drummond, MT 59832(406-288-3817)Leo & Sherry Pfendler (owners)• CCA Full TreatedPosts• Tree StakesRails - Peeled -Split - Doweled• Split RailStack Panels• Doweled RailCross Bucks& Jack-LegsMiller Post & Pole in Clancy and back to us again.The agricultural wood products such as tree stakes go primarilyto California markets. The posts and rails go all over the UnitedStates and have been used in the furniture market, as well as forbuilding fences. The wood chips are sold to Stone Container inMissoula and scrap wood is usually disposed of as firewood.Some of the changes that have occurred in the past few yearshave been the buying of whip material. Whip material is loggingtruck loads of trees that have a 3-inch minimum top andthe butt sizes vary from 5 inches up to 10 or 12 inches. Whenwe first started in business, all of the material we bought wascut to length. Now we buy about 40% of our material throughwhips and 60% through cutters. Our supply is much larger andthere seems to be a good demand for that supply.Another recent purchase has been a new dowel machine fromHarold Bouma of Choteau. The previous dowel machine madematerial uniform in size from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches. Thismachine does material from 2 inches to 5 inches in diameterand does a better quality material, which has opened up newmarkets, especially in the furniture business. The markets rangefrom all over the United States, even as far away as Hawaii,Australia, and Alaska.Leo was a charter member of the Intermountain RoundwoodAssociation and is now back on the board again. Thisassociation’s purpose is to promote roundwood products andeducate the public in the buying of high quality roundwoodmaterial. They have also been instrumental in the utilizationof sub-sawlog material in areas where there are large amountsof smaller trees.All in all, Leo and Sherry have come a long way in theirbusiness venture. There have been so many improvementsmade over the 18 years in business—they just wished theyhad taken more pictures when they first started to see how farthey have really come.It is Leo and Sherry’s hope one day to have one of the childrentake over the business, but that has not come to pass yet.

West 29SANDHILLEQUIPMENT, INC.The 15th year of production hasjust begun for D-W Industries,Inc. of Bassett, NE. D-W Industries,Inc. is the sole producer of theD-W Bale Feeder/Retriever line. Whatstarted out as a 5 bale feeder, has nowexpanded into a combination 5 balefeeder - 6 bale retriever.The D-W Bale Feeder utilizes the HaybusterProcessor. The Haybuster name isinternationally known as a sound product,at an affordable price. We have builta tough, rugged machine that will standthe test. Time and time again, our machineshave proven themselves in on-sitedemonstrations against our competitors.With approximately 600 machines inTests have shown that quieter and calmercattle had greater average daily gainsthan cattle that became agitated duringroutine handling. The commonly usedprocedures to treat sick animals oftencause extreme stress to the sick animalas well as varying degrees of stress to therest of the herd. How many times haveyou tried to treat a sick animal and dueto lack of facilities and manpower leaveit untreated? The Medi-Dart syringe amobile one person treatment system, canfix that. With over 10 years in businesswe have many customers tell us the Medi-Dart medicating system has improvedtheir cattle operation.The Medi-Dart syringe gives an intramuscularor subcutaneous injectionoperations, they are clearly in #1 positionfor this type of Feeder/Retriever.Though they were engineered andmanufactured in the Sandhills of Nebraska,they can now be found in 15states and Canada.Our customers have given us a tremendousvote of confidence by the fact thatwe have many customers with three ormore units in operation. This has beenaccomplished by a sound design andclose follow-up by the manufacturerand distributor.Please contact Sandhill Equipment, Inc.at (800) 657-2122, for more details. Jointhe Winners -Call Today!MEDI-DART • Lower Stress And Increase Gainsusing air pressure, provided by a simpleair pump. There is no cost per shot. Theinjection, up to 30cc, is completed in afew seconds. As the plunger finishes theinjection it pushes out an ejector looparound the needle, releasing the syringefrom the animal. The syringe falls to theground, that animal has been medicated.Sound easy? It is.Medi-Dart offers three styles suitable forany operation. The Crossbow Medi-Dartuses a specially designed crossbow and itallows you to treat animals out of the windowof your truck. Because it is so handy,the Crossbow Medi-Dart is the favoriteamong cattle producers. Would you likemore information? Please call White OakEnterprises at 417-246-5643Angus Group From Page 17ultrasound EPDs, or both). The FeedlotValue ($F) assigns a $ per head differencein expected progeny performance to postweaninggenetic merit. The Grid Value ($G)combines quality grade and yield grade attributes,and is calculated for animals withcarcass EPDs, ultrasound EPDs, or bothtypes of EPDs. $B facilitates what almostevery beef breeder is already seekingsimultaneous multi-trait genetic improvementfor feedlot and carcass merit, basedon dollars and cents.Real-world economics of this $Valueconcept are a powerful addition to thealready sizeable list of 17 EPDs currentlyavailable through the American Angus Association.The $Values were derived usingavailable EPDs converted into economicterms using industry relevant componentsfor feedlot performance (i.e. dayson feed, ration cost, cash price, etc.) andcarcass merit (i.e. choice-select spread,heavyweight and YG 4 & 5 discounts,etc.). These new tools provide commercialproducers, along with seedstock breeders,an avenue to simplify the use of EPDs,evaluating feedlot and carcass separatelyor simultaneously.Details on the $B will be available onlineat www.angus.org during the release of theAmerican Angus Association Spring 2004Sire Evaluation Report. Questions can bedirected to the American Angus AssociationPerformance Programs Department atahir@angus.org or 816-383-5100.The American Angus Association, withheadquarters in St. Joseph, Missouri, is theworld’s largest beef breed organization,providing programs and services to thousandsof commercial producers and morethan 34,000 members nationwide.Self-Ejecting Syringe ForRange Animal TreatmentAvailable In Bow,Pole & Cross BowAvailable up to 35cc in one timeGeorge Becker884 Liberty RoadSarcoxie, MO 64862417-246-5643Medi-Dart • Alberta, CanadaTwo-in-One MachineThe Most Widely Used Ranch-Proven Machine• Direct Drive Equal-Angle PTO• Handles Five / Six Bales• Proven Haybuster• Positive Processor Loading• Scissor-Action Tandem Lowers Frame For Loading• 4-Degree Load Angle• Years Of Engineering And Field Testing• Bale Retrieving Capabilities By Removing Processor• New 11L x 15 Ag Tires - rated At 25 MPH -• Makes Rough Hay More PalatableRequirements: Two Hydraulic Remotes • 80 Horsepower, 100 PTOSandhill Equipment, Inc.(402) 684-2331Box 507 • Bassett, NE 68714www.sandhillequip.comE-mail: sandhilleq@huntel.net

30 • Montana www.ritzfamilypublishing.commarketplaceBALE WAGONSBALE WAGONSWANTED: New Holland Bale Wagons.Self Propelled and Pull Types.Roeder Implement • P.O. Box 228Seneca, KS 66538 • 785-336-6103PUMPSMONTANA PUMP INC.Complete Water Well Pump ServiceResidential • CommercialFarm & Ranch(406) 388-1134P.O. Box 171 • Belgrade, MT 59714GlacierElectricCo-op Inc.RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL(406) 873-5566410 E. Main • Cut Bank, MTELECTRIC MOTORS & PUMPSFIRMAN’S INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICOver 33 Years of Service • Hours 9-6 M-F517 Kuhlman Drive • Billings, MT 59105After Hours.................... (406) 252-1170Shop Hours................... (406) 259-2623• Contract for Deed• Deed of Trust• Annuity Payments• Mortgage• Note• Lease Payments• SettlementsOver 17 Years of Quality Contract Service(406) 721-1444(800) 999-4809www.creative-finance.comCREATIVE FINANCE &INVESTMENTS LLCBUILDINGSTHE BUILDING COMPANY“Quality Construction & Square Post BuildingsAt Reasonable Prices”20 Years Building ExperienceLowest Sq. Ft. Prices AroundAgricultural Buildings • Horse Barns & ArenasPolson, MT • 406-883-2883CERTIFIED SEED POTATOESNorkotah, NorlandDark Red Norland, Yukon GoldMeri-stem started from MSU.All readings excellent.Visitors WelcomeMike White • 7508 White Rd.(406) 284-6075Matt White • (406) 282-7047MANHATTAN, MONTANA 59741Red & Black RegisteredBulls & HeifersFor Sale by Private TreatySalers • OptimizerGregg Jasperson • (801) 667-3565Bill Jasperson • (801) 667-3289P.O. Box 172 • Goshen, UT 84633CANDEE ANGUS FARM INCGAREY (406) 742-5788CASEY (406) 742-5863Rt 1, Box 1655, Fairview, MT 59221ccandee@midrivers.comgcandee@midrivers.com• ANNUAL SALE MARCH 16, 2004 •DYK SEEDPOTATOES L.L.C.Russet Burbank & ShepodySouthern Tested • High Altitude VigorGrown From New Foundation Seed“Your Checklist For AHigh Yielding & Quality Crop”6161 Amsterdam Rd.Manhattan, MT 59741(406) 282-7271(406) 282-7269Best selection of bulls in the nation.Call 1-800-356-4565for semen orders or catalogs.

Wes 315L Red Angus • Annual Production SaleAt 5L Red Angus we are a familyoperation (Larry & Lisa Mehlhoff& our 5 children: Laramie(17), Larisa (15), Landon (12), Larinda(10), and Logan (6), located in the heartof the Ruby Valley near Sheridan, MT.Larry’s family started switching fromShorthorns to registered Red Angus inNorth Dakota in 1977. Larry borrowedmoney to begin his own herd in 1979.Though there have been some toughtimes, and changes of location throughthe years, with the Lord’s help, our herdhas grown to 800 mother cows plus 300bred heifers. We have built our herd usingan extensive A.I.program. We A.I.most of the cows and put in around 150embryos. In the past few years, we havebeen using some top black angus siresto widen our red angus gene pool. As aresult we also sell some black, red-carrierbulls we call “profit plus” bulls.We run the operation as a family, withsome seasonal help during calving andin the summer for irrigation. Our kidsare a very viable part of our operation.We lease most of the ground we run on,as land is too costly in this area for us toown it. We run on around 2000 irrigatedacres, along with some foothill country.We put up 4000 ton of hay, along with oat,barley and pea silage. We also do somecustom haying and custom combining inthe area. We have a small feedlot wherewe performance test our own bulls on ahigh roughage ration. Most of our malecalves are left bulls until weaning inSeptember. Then the majority of themare castrated and fed until the end ofNovember when they are contracted fordelivery. Only the top bulls go on test andare sold as bulls. We sell our bulls at ourannual production sale the 2nd Tuesdayin March at the ranch, usually along withsome yearling heifers.Our cows calve in February and March.In our area, it is usually close to the firstof June before we can turn them out onsummer pasture, so we A.I. up until thattime. We do not creep feed our calves- the cow has to do it on her own. Wefocus on raising the moderate, easy fleshingkind of cattle, with good dispositions,that do all things well. We use ultrasoundand actual kill data to ensure our cattlehave carcass merit as well. We breed forbalance in all traits.We thank the Lord for this way of lifeand for His many blessings.Larry & Lisa Mehlhoff & FamilyThe Larry Mehlhoff FamilyBack: Laramie, Lisa, Larry, LandonFront: Larisa, Logan, LarindaANNUAL PRODUCTION SALEMARCH 9, 2004Selling 150 Yearling BullsTop of the TOPSFrom an 800 Head Cow Herd5L PowerStroke2549AT 5LCARCASSIS A BONUS,NOT A COST5LFortress32-1720daughter5L RED ANGUS97 Duncan Dist. Rd. • Sheridan, MT 59749406-842-5693 • email: 5lranch@3rivers.netwww.5lredangus.com